Beat the Heat but Don't Die
We always equate summer with sun, fun and the beach, but with summer heat soaring close to dangerous level everybody is having a second thought if you really can have fun in the beach with the sun's temperature wanting to kill you with dehydration and sun stroke. In 2023, the Philippines faced extreme heat, with PAGASA (Gov't Weather Monitoring Agency) recording the highest heat index of 48°C on April 21. This index, combining air temperature and humidity, measures perceived heat. High humidity hinders effective sweating, worsening heat effects. Over 500 students and 100 staff in a Pasay City school experienced dizziness, headaches, nosebleeds, and high blood pressure has to be rushed to the school clinic and nearby hospitals due to the intense heat. hot weather may seem common to any tropical country but over exposure to extreme heat can result in various health problems, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Certain individuals, such as those over 65, overweight, or with certain medical conditions, are more vulnerable. Heatstroke, the most severe heat-related illness, occurs when the body overheats and can't cool down through sweating. This rapid rise in body temperature can cause nausea, vomiting, flushed skin, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, coma, permanent disability, or death. Recognizing its symptoms is crucial for prevention.
So for those who really want's to enjoy the summer and their life motto is "Sun, Fun and Beach" here are some pointers to safely enjoy the summer.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, as it can worsen heat-related illnesses and it's easily absorbed by the body.
Stay in Cool Areas: When feeling too warm, find refuge indoors in cooler areas, seek shade avoid over exposure to direct sun and try to organize activities for the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Use Protection Whenever Doing Outdoor Activities: Wear loose, light colored clothing, cover your head with a hat, wear sunglasses, wear (and regularly reapply) sunscreen, use umbrella whenever outside. All this things help you cool down and avoid severe sun burn.
Keep Your Home Cool: Make sure windows are covered to protect from direct sunlight like blinds, curtains, or external shutters. Open windows at night to let cool breeze in. Make sure all electrical items are turned off and not in standby mode, as this still creates heat.
And most important at all is be ready and watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. this are to watch out for:
- Heat Exhaustion - excess thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, lightheadedness, excessive sweating and fatigue
- Heat Stroke - intense headache, confusion, loss of consciousness and cessation of sweating
Enjoy the summer heat safely guys!
https://global.lockton.com/ph/en/news-insights/beat-the-risks-of-summer-heat-in-the-philippines
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/5-tips-to-beat-the-heat-if-you-dont-have-ac-this-summer#Keeping-cool-is-about-more-than-comfort
https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/heatwaves-uk/advice-and-tips#home
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https://x.com/sciencekonek/status/1792491622577713529
https://www.timesheraldonline.com/